Product review

Updated September 2024

Standard vacuum cleaners

We’ve tested standard vacuums to find out which are the best at carpet cleaning and pet-hair removal.

Learn how to choose the right vacuum for your household.

A standard vacuum is a large model that’s designed for a whole house clean. Usually they’re powered by a mains cable, sit on the floor and have wheels for manoeuvrability. They can be upright style models, or compact canister / barrel shaped models. Dust and debris are stored in a replaceable bag or a bin.

Pros
▲ Provide a good clean on all surface types.

▲ Many models come with features such as variable power, adjustable head height, swivel heads and HEPA filters.

▲ Connect to the mains, so no limit on how long you can vacuum for, and suction power is consistent (as long as the bag or bin isn’t full!).

▲ Less expensive to purchase than equivalent cordless stick vacuums.

▲ Larger capacity for dust and debris compared to cordless stick vacuums.

Cons

▼ Bulky to store.

▼ Heavier than a cordless vacuum.

▼ More difficult to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

▼ Reach limited to cord length.

Canister or Upright?

Canister / barrel vacuums are much more popular than upright models (around 85% of out tested models are canister). They are easier to manoeuvre and use in small spaces such as on stairs. Sometimes the main body can get stuck behind objects when you are pulling it along though.

Upright vacuums require you to push the whole unit around when cleaning, which needs more effort than a canister model where the cleaning head is separate to the main body. They are easier to move from room to room however, as you don’t need to bend down like you do with a barrel vacuum.

Bag it or Bin it?

Bins are more popular than bags, nearly 70% of our tested models have bins. The cheapest standard vacuums also tend to have bins instead of bags, but as you begin to pay more you have the option of either.

Bags are going to cost more in the long run with replacements, and they are not as environmentally friendly, as you are throwing a bag away every time you fill one. They are more hygienic though, as the dirt and debris and allergens are contained when disposing. Just make sure you have a replacement on hand or your vacuuming fun will end.

With a bin style vacuum it’s easier to see when the bin needs emptying, and if you accidentally vacuum up an important piece of that lego kit you are building, you will likely be able to see and rescue it. The downside is that bins can sometimes be a bit messy to empty, and the bin itself can get dirty and scratched over time.

Head types

These are the main head types that come with standard vacuum cleaners:

Carpet and hard-floor heads have a setting for both, using only suction to remove dust and debris.

Turbo heads still only use suction, but have a rotating brush powered by the suction to help remove more stubborn dirt. They are also better at removing pet hair, although longer hairs can get entwined around the brush. Read our article on how to get hair out of your vacuum cleaner.

Powered heads are similar to turbo heads in that they use a rotating brush, but the brush is powered by a motor in the head. This makes the head more effective at removing hair and more stubborn dirt. They aren’t always ideal for hard floors though as they can flick debris around, although many have a brush that can be lowered to combat this. If your home has a lot of hard flooring it may be worth considering buying a vacuum that has a dedicated hard floor head.

Hard floor tools are surprisingly just for hard floors to avoid flicking or just pushing debris around.

Accessories

Crevice tool - a long pointy nozzle used to suck up debris in tight corners or down the sides of furniture.

Upholstery tool - a wider tool that is used to remove dust from upholstered furniture.

Dusting brush – this attachment has long bristles that help to remove dust from furniture, lampshades, blinds etc, and it won’t scratch surfaces.

HEPA filters

HEPA stands for “high efficiency particulate air”. A HEPA filter can remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mould, bacteria and airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (0.003mm). Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters are a good choice for those that suffer from asthma or have other allergies.

Other things to consider

Reach – this is the length of the cord supplied, so restricts how far from a power socket you can vacuum. This will be important if you have large rooms.

Variable Power – useful if you have thicker carpets that need more suction power at times, but you want to save energy and reduce noise when vacuuming other areas which don’t require as much suction.

Robot vacuum cleaners

Everyone hates vacuum cleaning, so a robot that does it for you must be a good thing, right? We tested 10 robots to see if the future is now.

Buying a secondhand vacuum cleaner

Buying a used vacuum could not only save you money but also give you access to a model you might not be able to afford brand new. However, you should do your research and perform some pre-purchase checks before you part with your hard-earned cash.

What brand or model should I buy and how old?

Check our reliability and satisfaction table above to see which are the best brands. We only recommend you buy machines that are less then 5 years old. The average life expectancy of a standard vacuum cleaner is 8 years (with some exceptions), so you should at least get a few years of service from a used model under 5 years old.

We’ve recently added discontinued models to our test results for models up to 5 years old, so you can check how many older models perform – just choose “Discontinued” in the “Availability” drop-down menu in the filters.

Remember those pre-purchase checks

Look at the vacuum’s general condition. Is it clean and does it look like it’s been looked after?
Check the condition of any filters. Are they washable or are spares available?
See if the hose is in good condition, without any holes or kinks.
Check the power cord for any damage along its whole length. Does the cord retract mechanism function correctly?
If the wand is adjustable, test that it works. Check all the clips from the hose and head to the wand.
Test any mechanisms on the floor head, and whether the wheels run freely.
Turn it on! Place the palm of your hand on the end of the hose – it should suction on with some force.

Your rights if things go wrong

Bought something and want to take it back? Here's what you need to know about your rights. Consumer members can contact our Consumer Advice Line for help. Our advisers will talk you through your rights.

Buying new

If a product you buy is faulty or not of acceptable quality, you don’t have to put up with it. The Consumer Guarantees Act has got you covered – you don’t need a warranty. Here's more about how you can get a refund, repair or replacement for a faulty product.

Buying used

What are your consumer rights when purchasing a second-hand vacuum cleaner? It depends on the seller. If you’re buying from a second-hand dealer (including those listed as “In-trade” on Trade Me) and discover it’s faulty, you're covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act. It should be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose and match the description. However, if you’re dealing with a private seller, you’re not covered by the act. Here's more info about your rights when buying second-hand goods.